Last Updated May 8, 2024
Sisters Stampede is a traditional event over Memorial Day weekend presented by Mudslinger Events and the fifth leg in the Oregon XC Series, six premier Oregon MTB events spanning April to September. The team here at Strambecco considers this event to be one of the Best Mountain Bike Events in the Northwest and one of the Best Cycling Events in Oregon. The event was established in 2010 and is available for only 500 registrants to ride the Peterson Ridge Trail System thanks to the ongoing dedication of the Sisters Trail Alliance.
Below you will find information on course details, lodging, dining, and other outdoor activities to do while in town for Sisters Stampede.
Event & Course Info
The Sisters Stampede Long Course option is 27 miles (1500 feet elevation gain) and a Short Course option covers 14 miles (500 feet elevation gain). These courses have 33 categories and Top 3 awards for each in addition to an overall $1000 cash prize. Both courses are mainly single-track, including a rolling single-track scattered with Central Oregon lava rock. They are challenging rides with stunning views of the Three Sisters Mountains. Kids under nine years old get free registration and the course has one to two laps, depending on age. All participants are invited to the after-race party at Three Creeks Brewing. Blazing Saddles Cycle and Supply Bike Shop hosts an annual block party that welcomes all riders.
Area Accommodations & Things to Do
Where to Stay in Sisters
Sisters, Oregon, features a variety of accommodation options that capture the essence of the Pacific Northwest, from rustic cabins and cozy bed and breakfasts to luxury resorts and boutique hotels. These lodgings cater to a range of preferences, offering guests a chance to enjoy the area’s natural beauty and charm, whether nestled in the forest or right in the heart of this quaint town. There is no official lodging partner for the Sisters Stampede but hotel options include The Cottage Inn, FivePine Lodge & Spa, the Suttle Lodge and Boathouse, Five Pine Lodge & Cabins (whose owners are the event sponsors!), and Sisters Inn & Suites. If you enjoy a more home-like experience, there are some great vacation rentals that will suit a variety of needs. For those who appreciate the simplicity of sleeping under the stars, check out Creekside Campground or one of the many one-of-a-kind camping options available in the surrounding area.
Dining in Sisters
Sisters, Oregon, offers a charming culinary scene that mirrors its rustic, Western-themed ambiance. This small town features a selection of cozy cafes, local bakeries, and family-owned restaurants serving everything from gourmet meals to classic comfort foods, often showcasing regional ingredients and craft beverages from the Pacific Northwest. In addition to the event celebration gatherings, Sisters, Oregon, has a quaint downtown with many retail shops and restaurants, including Sisters Depot, The Kitchen Table, and Sisters Saloon. Local favorites include Sisters Bakery, Sisters Coffee Company, and Open Door.
Outdoor Activities around Sisters
Sisters, Oregon, nestled at the base of the Cascade Mountains, transforms into an outdoor playground each May, offering athletes a variety of activities amid stunning natural scenery. With the snow beginning to melt and wildflowers in bloom, this charming town provides the perfect setting for adventurers and sports enthusiasts. Just a short drive from Sisters, Smith Rock State Park is renowned for its dramatic rock formations and scenic river canyons. It is an ideal destination for hiking enthusiasts looking for a challenging day out. The park offers several trails ranging from easy walks along the Crooked River to the more strenuous Misery Ridge Trail, which rewards hikers with panoramic views of the central Oregon landscape and the snow-capped peaks of the Cascades.
The Peterson Ridge Trail system, directly accessible from Sisters, is a paradise for mountain bikers. With over 30 miles of trails tailored to various skill levels, riders can enjoy everything from gentle loops to technical descents. In May, the weather is typically mild, making it an excellent time for athletes to experience the trail’s diverse terrain and vibrant spring vegetation.
For water sports enthusiasts, Suttle Lake offers a serene yet active getaway. Located in the Deschutes National Forest, this natural lake provides clear, calm waters ideal for kayaking. Paddlers can enjoy peaceful hours exploring the lake’s perimeter, taking in views of the surrounding forest and volcanic peaks. The lake’s accessibility and the presence of rental facilities nearby make it a convenient choice for a day on the water.
Related Events
Mudslinger Events was formed by Michael Ripley, an enthusiastic mountain biker who grew up in Eugene, Oregon. The organization brings people together to explore the gorgeous outdoor areas of Oregon. Having been run since 1987, Mudslinger Events brings back a vintage atmosphere to Mountain Biking and cross-country racing. They organize some of the Northwest’s best mountain bike and gravel race events. The full Oregon XC Series includes Mudslinger XC, Sisters Stampede, Oregon 24/12, High Cascades 100, and Ring of Fire. Many of the events are considered the Best Mountain Bike Events in the Northwest.
Mudslinger also produces The Oregon Triple Crown Series, a series of 5 premiere gravel and mixes surface events: Oregon Coast Gravel Epic, West Coast Gravel, Oregon Gran Fondo, Sasquatch Duro, and Takelma Gravel Grinder. People interested in participating can register for each event separately or benefit from the OTC Series Pass, which includes price discounts, bike accessories, and prizes associated with the timed-event awards. Here at Strambecco, we consider many of these to be the Best Gravel Cycling Events in the Northwest.
Multi-sport athletes looking for other premier races and events in Oregon and the broader Northwest region can take a peek at all of our related Strambecco Best rated event guides:
